A tragic boat accident in Niger State has claimed the lives of at least 93 people, with rescue teams continuing recovery efforts after the vessel, which was carrying approximately 300 passengers, capsized on Tuesday.
The passengers, all from Gwajibo Mudi community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, were en route to the neighboring Gwajibo community in Niger State to attend a Maulud Nabbiy celebration when the incident occurred.
Advertorial
So far, 93 bodies have been pulled from the water, while four children who survived the mishap are currently recuperating at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Gwajibo Mudi.
The survivors are expected to be discharged by Friday.
Hon. Adamu Sabi, a community leader and former member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, revealed that the boat, which had a maximum capacity of 200 passengers, was dangerously overloaded with 300 people at the time of the accident.
Advertorial
He expressed concern over the lack of regulatory oversight that allowed the overloaded boat to operate, especially at night.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has extended his condolences to the state government and the Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Omar Mu’azu, following the devastating accident, which reportedly claimed the lives of 169 people.
Advertorial
In a statement through his spokesman, Malam Abdulazeez Arowona, Sulu-Gambari described the tragedy as “regrettable and worrisome,” considering the significant loss of life.
He praised Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for swiftly directing the state’s emergency management agency to provide assistance to the survivors and the families of the victims.
The Emir also urged residents of riverine communities to prioritize safety by wearing life jackets when traveling on water, to prevent similar incidents in the future.
